Thanksgiving is almost here and with its arrival, comes the beginning of the holiday season. And that means, of course, shopping/presents for loved ones. It's unfortunate, but the economy may dictate your gift giving this year. Below are some suggestions from Michele Borba, an educational psychologist and author of “The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries” (Jossey-Bass, 2009).
“The kids learn to appreciate people and the gathering, instead of focusing on store-bought items-usually quickly forgotten-and in the end are less spoiled,” she says. Here are some of her tips to keep the festivities merry and bright.
Announce your scale-down plan, with specifics, such as fewer gifts for everyone, or just adults, or a specific money cap. Preface the plan by explaining calmly and briefly that money is tighter this year so everyone will be receiving fewer presents. “The key is to give your children a heads-up far enough in advance to keep their expectations in check as the holiday season rolls around, “she says.
Suggest handmade instead of store-bought. Specify that a certain number of gifts should be no-cost items. “Kids can have fun making gift coupons that describe their gift from their heart to a recipient, such as a promise to call Grandma once a week, a pledge to bake cookies for Grandpa or a vow to take out the trash for Mom without nagging,” Borba says.
Think one “family gift.” Start a tradition: Have your extended family think of one group outing that they would love to see/do, such as “The Nutcracker Suite.” That memory will last far longer than the toys.
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»Melissa_Rice | Wed, 07/14/2010 - 16:03
I have a very intelligent 4 year old son who for all practical purposes is an only child (much older half brothers not in the home and visits once a year). He decided on his own that he wanted to be potty trained in February last year (3 months before his 3rd bday). He did well. We only used pull ups for a few months then straight into big boy pants. He is in daycare and moves up classes about once every 6 months or so which usually is no big deal for him. I cannot think of anything BIG that might have happened in his life over the past few months other than changing classrooms/teachers...but he has started having accidents. Not just a couple a week but a couple a day. He has had upto 4 soiled (BM) accidents in one day and he has wet the bed as many times as twice during the night. I don't make it a habit to let him drink at night just before bed but it does not seem to make a difference. We have had a fasting blood glucose and it was fairly normal (87, 104). The dr said that he thinks he may have a blockage/constipation. However, he is having regular normal amt bowel movements every single day. I suffer IBS and I am worried that he might already be suffering it as well. However, this does not make it easier for him to be able to go to a pre-K/k4 program this fall where they require NO accidents (more than 1 a week) from the child. Please, if you can, help...what would you recommend
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